Crafters & Co Bottlestore closes suddenly

Crafters & Co.’s Wellington bottle has closed, leaving brewers and other suppliers wondering if they will be paid out.

Brewers were told of the closure yesterday and rushed to reclaim their stock. As recently as Tuesday, the store’s Facebook page was promoting events planned for this evening.

Crafters & Co. launched in July, with owner Hadleigh Petherick telling Beertown.NZ about plans for growth: “We’ve got 300 pallets worth of storage but in a year we will be packed to the roof I hope. If all goes to plan we will be setting up a small warehouse in Auckland and one down in Christchurch and then we can service the whole country.”

Crafters & Co launched a PledgeMe crowdfunding campaign in November, aiming to raise capital for sites in Auckland and Christchurch. It’s understood the campaign failed to meet its targets. Crafters & Co.’s online store has also faced ongoing delays and did not get into operation before the business ceased trading.

Speaking to Beertown.NZ this morning, Hadleigh blamed a dispute with his landlord, as well as credit issues with his bank. The surrounding premises have been the site of construction work which has continued into the Christmas trading period.

“We’re not trading and will be returning stock. We are looking at relocating to another venue. We will restructure and reassess going forward,” Hadleigh said today. “We set this up to help the industry and it’s a shame. It’s not a pleasant situation for anybody.”